Rio Grande School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026-27)

View full size Get directions

REQUEST INFO

SAVE SCHOOL

Quick Facts (26-27)

Top Ranked NM School
Grades: Prekindergarten-6
Enrollment: 165 students
Acceptance rate: 75%
Average class size: 18 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / May. 30 / rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Rio Grande School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Mexico for:

School Facts

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-6

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade

Grade	Rio Grande School
Nursery	16
Pre-K	18
Kind	18
1	20
2	20
3	20
4	20
5	19
6	14

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Grade 1 to 4 highest enrollment is 20 students in each of those grades, while Grade 6 is lower at 14.

Year Founded

1978

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

View Summer Program Details

School Calendar

View School Calendar

School Motto

Challenge intellect, inspire imagination, nurture desire to learn

Student Body

Total Students

165 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

20%

State avg.: 52%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

18 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

9:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

75%

Average Class Size

18 students

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

Jan. 15 / May. 30 / rolling

% on Financial Aid

30%

Acceptance Rate

75%

National avg.: 85%

Admissions Director

Alexandra Castillo

Application URL

Online Application

Endowment Size

$7 million

Request Information

Step 1 of 2

Name of parent:

Student first name:

Student last name:

Email:

Phone:

Student is:

Male

Female

Currently in grade:

Seeking entry for grade:

Target start date:

Step 2 of 2

Home address:

City:

Country:

State:

Zip: (enter "N/A" if not applicable)

Save this data and create your user profile. Create your own user account so you don't have to re-type your user data each time you request information. You'll also be able to track your information requests, get reminded of application dates, and more!

Username:

Password:

Sports

Total Sports Offered

6 sports

Sports

ArcheryBasketball

Cross CountryCross Fit

SwimmingTrack and Field

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

2 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

ChessImprov

School Notes

Rio Grande School's mission is to challenge each child's intellect, to inspire each child's imagination, and to nurture each child's desire to learn.
Rio Grande School's families come from all over the nation as well as New Mexico.
We welcome interested families to contact the school for a tour.

Rio Grande School's mission is to challenge each child's intellect, to inspire each child's imagination, and to nurture each child's desire to learn. Rio Grande School's families come from all over the nation as well as New Mexico. We welcome interested families to contact the school for a tour.

Source: Verified school update

REQUEST FREE INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate of Rio Grande School?

The acceptance rate of Rio Grande School is 75%, which is lower than the national average of 88%. Rio Grande School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in New Mexico with low acceptance rates.

Does Rio Grande School offer a summer program?

Yes, Rio Grande School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What sports does Rio Grande School offer?

Rio Grande School offers 6 interscholastic sports: Archery, Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Fit, Swimming and Track and Field.

What is Rio Grande School's ranking?

Rio Grande School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in New Mexico for: Lowest average acceptance rates.

When is the application deadline for Rio Grande School?

The application deadline for Rio Grande School is Jan. 15 / May. 30 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 / May. 30 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

Endorse Rio Grande School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Academic or athletic awards

Recent Articles

October 27, 2026

When a Private School Changes Head of School

A private school leadership change can raise important questions. Learn how to evaluate head of school transitions, identify warning signs, and protect your child's educational experience before enrolling confidently.

October 27, 2026

Private School Financial Aid Renewal: Could Awards Shrink?

Could your private school financial aid shrink next year? Learn why awards change, how income and school budgets affect renewal, and what parents can do to protect affordability long-term.

October 27, 2026

Need-Blind vs. Need-Aware Private School Admissions

Understand how need-blind and need-aware private school admissions affect acceptance decisions, financial aid eligibility, and affordability, with practical guidance to help parents compare schools, ask questions, and plan confidently ahead.

Contact Rio Grande School about admissions and next steps.

REQUEST INFO

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Santa Fe, NM is $14,337 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Santa Fe, NM is 88% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).